But people are forgetting about Brad Keselowski. He is an unflappable competitor, brimming with confidence and not about to concede to the five-time champ over the last three races.

Keselowski still has a good championship shot.

Heading into today’s AAA Texas 400 at super-fast Texas Motor Speedway, Keselowski is two points in arrears to Johnson. But if you’re expecting the Penske driver to fall apart after losing the top spot a week ago at Martinsville, think again.

If you have spent any time around Keselowski or listened to interviews — he is pretty genuine — he isn’t in awe of Johnson. At 28-years-old, he doesn’t fear anyone or any situation.

“Here we are in the stretch run, last three races and it’s been a great run,” Keselowski said during his Friday press conference at Texas Motor Speedway.

“Certainly, we would like to have a big lead, but that’s not realistic when you’re racing against the best and competing against the best — in any sport. But, I’m happy with my position, happy with my car and feeling good about everything.”

Keselowski should.

The Rochester, Mich, ace has two Chase wins and has oozed consistency. His lowest finish has been 11th, and he has held the top spot in the points after five of seven races.

But performance isn’t the only reason Keselowski is a threat to Johnson’s coronation. He is a suitable opponent because of his youth, because of his moxie and because he’s hungry.

Not just for personal gain, but for his car-owner Roger Penske.

Keselowski has earned this position. He’s shaken off the run-ins with Carl Edwards early in his career and has become an accomplished wheel man. And now he wants to honor the man that has given him a top-notch ride.

“Roger Penske, everything he has done, to not have a championship, I don’t know how to answer that question in this setting,” said Keselowski after being asked what it would mean to give Penske his first title.

“But I can tell you that I’m hungry for it. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about what it’s going to take and how big it would be to my life to do it.

“It’s basically the culmination of a life’s worth of work. I don’t want to waste [these opportunities]. I only see us getting stronger. It doesn’t mean I’d be happy if I didn’t win it this year, but I would feel like there’s the potential to get it done for year’s to come. It’s part of why I’m in such a happy state of mind.”

The time is now.

Keselowski doesn’t have a good resume at Texas. He has no wins, no top fives and no top 10 runs. His average finish in the Lone Star State running Sprint Cup colors is 25.2.

But Keselowski has heart. He has the right attitude and seems relaxed in this title pressure cooker.

And that makes him very dangerous.

SPEAKING OF PENSKE

Todd Gordon, the current crew chief on the No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil machine, will remain with the team for the 2013 season.

Gordon was named crew chief of the car in December of 2011. He was previously the crew chief for Brad Keselowski in the Nationwide Series, where they won six poles and six races during the 2011 season.

Joey Logano was hired to drive the car next season.

THE PICK

Matt Kenseth may be out of the title hunt, but he isn’t mailing in his season.

The Wisconsin native has two Chase wins this season — tying him with Keselowski — and two Texas victories. He seems inspired to finish his Roush/Fenway tenure on a strong note. 